Redskins vs. Lions – Five Keys to the Game
Dec 28, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins kicker Kai Forbath (2) kicks a field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
4. Improved performance from Special Teams
The Redskins were not particularly good last week on special teams. Punt returner Andre Roberts fumbled a return and Chris Thompson nearly mishandled another. With games being won and lost by a razor-thin margin, the Redskins can’t afford to turn the ball over on special teams
More from Commanders News
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
So I look for the kick and punt returners to be much better in their handling of the ball this week. The Redskins also need to continue to improve in their kick coverage. The gave up a 54 yard return to the Browns last week and were lucky the return man Darius Jennings didn’t take it to the house.
Redskins kicker Kai Forbath did hit a long 52 yard field goal against the Browns and that bodes well for this season as, the Redskins may need him to hit more long field goals this season. However, there’s one are that Forbath still needs to improve in.
And that’s the length of his kickoffs. There’s not reason an NFL kicker should be expected to have a high percentage of touchbacks in todays NFL. But some reason whether it’s injuries or something else, Kai Forbath can’t consistently kick touchbacks.
More touchbacks means less chances for the other team to return kicks. Less kickoffs means worse field position for the other offense. Starting at 20 yard line is always the best outcome.
Next: 5. Control the Line of Scrimmage